Drills and Formations - Youngstown Youth Flag Football Association

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drills: Overview
Drill #1: Warm-Up Drill: "Jingle-Jangle"
This is a good way to begin practice. After a short stretching period this drill gets players loose and warmed up, while
also helping them practice their agility and footwork.
Drill #2: Centre QB Exchange
Purpose: To develop proper snapping technique. This is a relay race. The quarterback and centre on each team start
the race.
Drill #3: Passing Drill: Progressive QB
This drill helps refine and improve passing technique by concentrating on proper arm and hand movement.
Drill #4: Passing
Purpose: To develop proper passing technique. Participants pass the football back and forth to their partner.
Drill #5: Individual Pass Patterns
Learn about the Yard Curl, Yard Out, Yard Post, Post Corner, Streak and the Yard Smash
Drill #6: Passing and Receiving: Run & Shoot
This drill helps players understand simple passing routes, from the perspective of both quarterback and receiver.
Drill #7: Passing & Receiving
Purpose: To develop running, passing, and receiving skills. This is a relay race. The object is for QB 1 to pass to WR
1, who has run to cone (A) to catch the ball.
Drill #8: Passing & Receiving
Purpose: For a WR to find an open area in order to catch a pass. The object is for the QB's to pass the football around
until an opportunity arises to throw the football to the WR.
Drill #9: Passing & Receiving
Purpose: To develop proper pass patterns and defensive skills. The WR snaps the football to the QB and the WR runs
a 5-yard "out" pattern. The cones are set out to indicate direction.
Drill #10: Passing & Receiving
Purpose: To develop proper receiving and passing skills. Teach participants how to spread out and use the entire field.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drills:
Overview Continued
Drill #11: Pass Pattern Combinations
Learn about the Streak Out, Streak Curl, Post Out, Corner Smash, Curl Post Corner and the Twin Curl.
Drill #12: Tosses
Purpose: To develop proper tosses or pitches. Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Divide teams into even groups and place
players opposite each other across the line about 5 yards apart.
Drill #13: Running with the Ball
Purpose: To develop running skills. This is a relay race between teams. The first participant in each line has a football
and will run with the football around each cone and then come back to the beginning of his/her line.
Drill #14: Running with the Ball
Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid having the flag pulled. Relay race between teams. Drill is completed
when all RBs have run through the mini end zone once.
Drill #15: Running with the Ball
Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid having the flag pulled. Pair players up – one as a RB and one as a DB.
The DB is in back of the RB and chasing the RB from behind.
Drill #16: Defense
Purpose: To develop defensive back skills. The object is for the RB to run along the line of scrimmage and select an
area between the cones to run through.
Drill #17: Defense
Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid the DB. Also teaches RBs to run to an open area. The object is for the
RBs to run past the DBs to the opposite end zone without getting their flags pulled.
Drill #18: Defense
Purpose: To develop the defensive skills of pulling the flag and following a WR. This is a mirror drill. Players must
"mirror" and stay with the player lined up across from them.
Drill #19: Defense
Purpose: To develop defensive skills of backpedaling and pulling the flag. Pair up kids – one group is WRs, the other
DBs. Each DB will backpedal and "mirror" the WR. All players will start in slow motion on the instructor's
command.
Drill #20: NFL Ultimate
Purpose: To develop awareness and feel for the flag football concept. The concept is for the team with the football to
pass the ball to teammates without dropping the ball, all the while moving the ball toward the end zone.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drills: #1
Warm-Up Drill: "Jingle-Jangle"
This is a good way to begin practice. After a short stretching period, this drill gets players loose and
warmed up, while also helping them practice their agility and footwork.
Developmental Goals: Improve balance, footwork, and change of direction.
Drill Outline:
Place cones at corners of 15-yard square. Line up players at one corner of square. Players then:
1. Sprint to first cone
2. Side-step to second cone
3. Backpedal to third cone
4. Sprint back to beginning of line.
Throw a football to each player as he or she finishes the drill. Repeat drill to other side after
everyone has had a turn.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #2:
Developmental Goals: To develop proper snapping technique.
Centre QB Exchange
Set Up: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Divide teams into even groups and place in even lines. Place
cones in middle of drill four yards apart. One football per team; the entire class can participate.
Drill Outline:
This is a relay race.
The quarterback (A) and centre (B) on each team start the race.
The centre (B) snaps directly to the QB (A). The centre will stand still while the QB runs to
the next cone.
The previous (A) snaps to (B), then (B) snaps to (A) and so on, until course is completed.
The race is continued until each participant gets a turn.
Progression: Shotgun snap.
Key Coaching Points:
Center must place the ball on the ground before snapping.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #3:
Passing Drill: Progressive QB
This drill helps refine and improve passing technique by concentrating on proper arm and hand
movement.
Developmental Goals: Perfect throwing motion while using only the throwing arm.
Set Up: Pair off participants into two parallel lines. Players start on both knees, throwing to their
partners five yards away. Show players how to follow through with their arm, so that their thumbs
end up pointing down. Have each player begin with football held above his or her waist.
Demonstrate how to throw from no higher than their ear.
Progressions: After several throws, have players switch to kneeling on right knee. Then after several
throws that way, have them switch to left knee. Next, have them throw standing up with feet
together. Finally, have them practice a three-step drop, then a five-step drop before throwing.

Developmental Goals: To develop proper passing technique.
Passing
Set Up: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Divide teams into even groups and place players opposite from
each other about 3 yards apart. The entire class can participate if there are enough footballs. With a
limited amount of footballs, place students behind each other and have them wait for a turn or pass
the footballs available in a zig-zag pattern. (Shown above.)
Drill Outline: Participants pass the football back and forth to their partner.
Progression:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #4:
Begin with the participants on both knees facing each other.
Kids throwing from their knees will focus on the throwing motion without the use of their
legs.
Progress to right knee up and then switch to left knee up.
Next, have players stand straight up and pass with feet apart.
Key Coaching Points:
Passing motion is the same as throwing a baseball, javelin, or handball.
The hand without the football points to the target or the receiver.
Make sure kids follow through on their throws.
Point - step - throw.
The receiver forms a target with both hands, palms facing out with thumbs and pointing
fingers touching.
The receiver's fingers should form a triangle.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #5:
5 Yard Curl:
The WR runs up
the field 5
yards, stops, and
returns back
towards the QB.
Streak:
The WR runs
straight up the
field as fast as
possible.
5 Yard Out:
The WR runs up
the field 5 yards
and cuts to the
sideline.
Post Corner:
The WR runs up
the field. At 8
yards he cuts
toward the
centre of the
field and after 2
yards runs
towards the
corner of the
end zone.
Individual Pass Patterns
8 Yard Post:
A WR runs up
field 8 yards and
cuts toward the
centre of the
field on a 45degree
angle
5 Yard Smash:
The WR runs up
the field 5 yards
and then turns
toward the QB
and side
shuffles with
body facing the
QB.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #6:
Passing and Receiving: Run & Shoot
This drill helps players understand simple passing routes, from the perspective of both quarterback
and receiver.
Development Goals:
Passers: Accuracy and how to lead receivers
Receivers: How to run pass routes
Defensive Backs: How to watch receivers and cut to the ball.
Set Up: Divide your team into three groups. The first player in line is the first passer; the second
goes out to play defensive back; the third is the receiver. The outside groups run simple 10-yard
square-out patterns, while the middle group runs 10-yard turn-ins or buttonhooks.
Rotate each line this way: After passing, the quarterback becomes the next receiver; the next player
in line becomes the passer; the first receiver becomes the defensive back; and the first defensive back
moves on to the next group. Make sure players get chances at all three positions.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #7:
Purpose: To develop running, passing, and receiving skills.
Passing & Receiving
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area and divide the team into even groups. Set cones 5 yards
from each end line and 10 yards apart. Each team requires one football so the entire class can
participate.
Drill Outline:
This is a relay race.
The object is for QB 1 to pass to WR 1, who has run to cone (A)to catch the ball.
The second participant in line is WR 2.
WR 2 runs to cone (B) and repeats the drill.
The drill is repeated until every participant has a turn.
If the ball is dropped, the WR picks it up and continues with the drill.
Key Coaching Points:
WR must stop and completely turn around giving the QB a big target.
WR must give a solid handoff to the QB when returning to line.
After each relay race, a WR becomes the new QB.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #8:
Purpose: For a WR to find an open area in order to catch a pass.
Passing & Receiving
Organization: Set out a 10 x 10-yard area. Divide the players into groups of six, five players on
offense and a single player on defense. Station four players in the corners of the area and a lone
receiver, shadowed by a defender inside the area. This can be duplicated to allow full participation
for entire class. One football is needed per group.
Drill Outline:
The object is for the QB's to pass the football around until an opportunity arises to throw the
football to the WR.
The length of the drill is 30 seconds. Six points are awarded for each reception and the defense
is awarded three points for an interception.
Either switch to a whole new group of players at QB, WR, and DB. Or, switch kids on the
field into new positions or bring new kids into game.
Progression:
Lower drill time to (20) seconds in length.
Add an additional DB to the field.
If the football is intercepted, put the QB who threw the interception on defense.
Key Coaching Points:
How WR and QB communicate.
Defenders should focus on WR hips not shoulders.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #9:
Purpose: To develop proper pass patterns and defensive skills.
Passing & Receiving
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area and place two sets of cones on either end of the drill, 5
yards off the end line. Divide into two equal teams. One half of each team starts on offense, the other
half starts on defense. Each team has a football. Use the entire class in one drill.
Drill Outline:
The WR snaps the football to the QB and the WR runs a 5-yard "out" pattern. The cones are
set out to indicate direction.
When the ball is snapped, the DB runs to the area where the WR will try to catch the football.
If a catch is made, the WR must then try to run past the DB and score without having his/her
flag pulled.
The WR then goes to the end of the DB line and the DB goes to end of the offensive line on
their own team.
The WR will give the football to the DB after the drill. The DB will hand the football to the
QB in the DB's new line.
6 points are awarded for each TD. The coach keeps score.
Key Coaching Points:
QB passes to where the WR will be at end of his/her pattern. WR looks back for football when
he makes the turn to the second cone.
DB watches WR's hips for any fakes, not the shoulders or head.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #10:
Passing & Receiving
Purpose: To develop proper receiving and passing skills. Teach participants how to spread out and
use the entire field.
Organization: Set out a 40 x 40-yard area. Divide teams into even groups and place players opposite
each other across the field. The entire class can participate.
Drill Outline:
Eight to ten participants start on the field, the remaining players stand on the sidelines.
This game concept and playing area is similar to basketball, but without the baskets or
dribbling.
The ball starts with one player at the center of the field.
The object is to throw the football to a teammate in the circle or goal.
The player with the ball has to pass to his/her teammates inside the game or can get assistance
from teammates on the sidelines.
The player with the ball can only take two steps, similar to basketball. The players in the
playing area without the ball are free to move around.
The ball must be passed within 10 seconds or the other team gets possession of the ball.
The idea is to try to knock down or intercept a pass. If the ball is dropped or intercepted, the
team on defense is awarded possession of the football.
6 points are awarded each time the ball is passed to a player in the goal area. The player in the
goal cannot leave that area.
Key Coaching Points:
Stress the importance of spreading out and being in position to receive a pass from a
teammate. In a game situation, the offense has an advantage when there is more room to move.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #11:
Streak Out:
#1 WR runs a 5-yard out toward
the sideline and WR #2 runs a
streak.
Corner Smash:
WR #1 runs a corner and WR #2
runs a 5-yard smash.
Streak Curl:
#1 WR runs a streak and #2 WR
runs a 5 yard-curl inside.
Curl Post Corner:
WR #1 runs a 5-yard curl and
WR #2 runs a post.
Pass Pattern Combinations
Post Out:
WR #1 runs a post and WR #2
runs a 5-yard out.
Twin Curl:
WR #1 and WR #2 both run 5yard
curls. This play is used in
short-yardage situations.
*On all these patterns, #1 is an option if #2 is covered, and vice versa.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #12:
Purpose: To develop proper tosses or pitches.
Tossing The Ball
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Divide teams into even groups and place players opposite
each other across the line about 5 yards apart. Players on Team A are the quarterbacks. The players
on the B team are running backs. They will switch positions after each turn. Footballs for each pair
are recommended and the entire class can participate if space permits.
Drill Outline:
The QBs will have their backs to the RBs.
The first several practices, the instructor will call the cadence, "SET GO." The instructor will
then choose a QB to call out the cadence.
Each QB holds the football in front of them with their knees bent and their feet apart.
On the QB's "SET GO" the RB moves to the right to take the pitch from the QB at a distance
of 3-5 yards.
The first time through the drill, have players move in slow motion to get the feel of the drill.
Switch positions; the QBs are now RBs and vice versa.
The players now run half speed through the drill to the left.
The players switch positions again and run through the drill at full speed.
Key Coaching Points:
The QB will look at the stomach area of the RB when making the pitch it to that area.
The toss or pitch is similar to passing in Rugby.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #13:
Purpose: To develop running skills.
Running The Ball
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Cones are set 8 yards apart to simulate a mini-end zone.
One ball per team. The entire class can participate. If cones are limited, use t-shirts, shoes, or tape on
the floor as markers.
Drill Outline:
This is a relay race between teams.
The first participant in each line has a football and will run with the football around each cone
and then come back to the beginning of his/her line.
When the participant returns to the line, they will hand off to the next participant at the front of
the line, then go to the back of the team's line.
The race is won by the first team to have each participant complete the race.
Progression: Have players backpedal or hop over the cones.
Key Coaching Points:
Player switches arms carrying the football, with the football always carried in the arm nearest
the sideline.
Players cut on their outside foot, not crossing their legs over when they go around a cone.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #14:
Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid having the flag pulled.
Running The Ball
Organization: Set out a 40 x 40-yard area. Place cones 8 yards apart to simulate a mini-end zone;
one ball per team. The entire class can participate in one drill, or duplicate the cone set-up if space
permits.
Drill Outline:
Relay race between teams. Drill is completed when all RBs have run through the mini end
zone once.
There are 3 mini-end zones for the RB to run through.
Offensive team has to play against the other team's defense.
RB has to run through three mini-end zones and avoid the defenders in each.
The DB attempts to pull the RB flag and stop him/her from scoring.
DB's are awarded 3 points for each flag pulled. Points are counted after the race.
The RB is awarded 6 points for each successful TD.
The RB must run directly to the end of the line after handing off the football to a teammate on
the other side of the drill.
Offensive and defensive players are switched after each relay race is completed.
If both RBs flags are removed before reaching the last DB, the RBs run back to the next RB in
line and hands off the ball.
Key Coaching Points:
RB plays with head up.
DB watches the movement of RB's hips, not the head or shoulders.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #15:
Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid having the flag pulled.
Running The Ball
Organization: Set out a 40 x 40-yard area. Place cones 2 yards apart to simulate a mini-end zone.
Recommended for six pairs of players, the maximum number of kids is 20. If cones are not available,
marks on the ground or floor, t-shirts, or tape can be used. Balls are optional.
Drill Outline:
Pair players up - one as a RB and one as a DB. The DB is in back of the RB and chasing the
RB from behind.
RB's should carry a football (if available).
Each RB starts off on the end line at either side of the playing area.
The DBs start 5 yards behind the RBs.
On the coach's whistle, the RBs attempt to cross through the mini-end zones without getting
their flags pulled by the pursuing DBs.
The DB must chase the RB.
Both flags are pulled, RB is out. If one flag pulled, the RB keeps going.
Any end zone can be crossed and there is no order in which the end zones have to be crossed.
The drill lasts 45 seconds and then you switch RB's to DB and DB's to RB.
Progression: Shorten time to 30 seconds.
Key Coaching Points:
RBs run plays with their heads up.
DB watches the movement of RB's hips, not his/her head or shoulders.

Purpose: To develop defensive back skills.
Defense
Organization: Set out a 10 x 20-yard area. Place the cones five yards apart. One football is needed.
The entire class can participate in this drill which, can be duplicated for more players if space
permits.
Drill Outline:
The object is for the RB to run along the line of scrimmage and select an area between the
cones to run through.
RB starts with the football. On coach's signal, RB begins running. The DB must mirror the RB
and attempt to capture the RB's flag before the RB selects a hole between the cones.
This drill simulates making a one-on-one flag capture. Progression: Progress to two defensive
players.
Key Coaching Points:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #16:
RB must keep head up and the football firmly tucked away.
DB must keep shoulders square and head and eyes looking upfield.
DB watches the RB's hips.

Purpose: To develop running skills and avoid the DB. Also teaches RBs to run to an open area.
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. 10 players start at one end zone, each with a football (if
available). Two DBs are stationed in the middle of the field.
Drill Outline:
The object is for the RBs to run past the DBs to the opposite end zone without getting their
flags pulled.
If a RB has his/her flag pulled, he/she sits out.
Stop the drill after RBs reach the opposite end zone. Identify kids with pulled flags and allow
players to catch their breath.
The drill continues then by changing direction until there is one RB remaining.
Progression: Instead a RB sitting out after his/her flag is pulled, have him switch to a DB and assist
in pulling other RB's flags.
Key Coaching Points:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #17:
Defense
DBs should run to where the RB is going, not to where they are.
Watch RB's waist, not his/her head or shoulders.

Purpose: To develop the defensive skills of pulling the flag and following a WR.
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Pair up 10-12 participants. The coach gives each team a
name. The entire class can play, or duplicate drill if space permits.
Drill Outline:
This is a mirror drill.
Players must "mirror" and stay with the player lined up across from them.
When the coach calls out a team name, that team becomes the offense and tries to score in the
defensive team's end zone. A score is worth 6 points.
If a player has his/her flag pulled they are out for that one drill.
Defensive players can go after other offensive players if they have pulled the flag of their
partner.
Offensive players have 45 seconds to score. Each score is worth 6 points.
Progression: Coach will lower the time limit to 30 seconds. Coach keeps track of offensive player
scores and subtracts 3 points for players who had their flags pulled.
Key Coaching Points:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #18:
Defense
DB practices staying in front of offensive player.

Purpose: To develop defensive skills of backpedaling and pulling the flag.
Organization: Set out a 20 x 20-yard area. Pair up 10-12 participants or as many as space allows.
Drill Outline:
Pair up kids - one group is WRs, the other DBs.
Each DB will backpedal and "mirror" the WR. All players will start in slow motion on the
instructor's command.
Switch, making WRs play as DBs. Progress to half speed.
Switch positions again. Now go to full speed. On the instructor's whistle, the WRs will try to
run past the DBs, who are backpedaling.
During the drill, the instructor calls out "GO", the DB is now allowed to pull the flag of the
WR who is still running for the end zone.
The "GO" simulates the WR catching the football.
Progression: The coach will pass a football to an open offensive player when "GO" is called.
Key Coaching Points:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #19:
Defense
DB stays in front of offensive player.
DB watches WR's waist and hips.

Purpose: To develop an awareness and feel for the flag football concept.
NFL Ultimate
Organization: Set out a 20 x 40-yard area. Pair up 10 participants. Rotate players, or duplicate the
drill if space permits.
Drill Outline:
The concept is for the team with the football to pass the ball to teammates without dropping
the ball, all the while moving the ball toward the end zone.
The player with the football has 10 seconds to pass or pitch the ball to a teammate.
The ball can be passed or pitched forward, sideways, or backwards.
The player with the ball can only take 2 steps after catching the ball.
The offensive players without the ball can move anywhere on the field.
The ball always has to be passed toward the end zone - 6 points are awarded for a touchdown.
After a touchdown, the team that was on defense switches to offense and takes possession of
the ball on their own 5 yard line.
If the ball is dropped or intercepted, play continues with the other team in possession of the
ball from the point of the turnover.
Each defensive player must stay at arms length from the player with the ball. The defensive
play is similar to that of basketball.
Key Coaching Points:
Youngstown Youth Flag Football Drill #20:
WRs must work to get open and not bunch up.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football Warm ups:
Stretches & Line Drills
Stretches: Form lines of 10 with one coach in charge of each line. Make sure that the line is straight
with the older kids at the front of the line. Assign one of the older kids to a captain for that line.
They are to assist you in keeping their line straight and paying attention.
1. 15 Jumping Jacks
2. Stand with legs together and touch the ground for a count of 15
3. Stand with legs spread and touch your right foot for a count of 15
4. Stand with legs spread and touch your left foot for a count of 15
5. Stand with legs spread and touch the center for a count of 15
6. Sit and with feet together Butterflys for a count of 15
7. Sit with legs spread and touch your right foot for a count of 15
8. Sit with legs spread and touch your left foot for a count of 15
9. Sit with legs spread and touch the center for a count of 15
10. 15 Sit Ups
11. 15 Push Ups
Line Drills: With existing lines already formed, have cones lined up approx. 20 yards apart.
12. Knee Highs
13. Rear Kicks
14. Shuffle Left
15. Shuffle Right
16. Cherokee
17. Back Petal
18. Bear Crawl
19. Crab Walk
20. 50% Run
21. Full Sprint

Youngstown Youth Flag Football - Basic Routes:
The Passing Tree
The Passing Tree is a numbered system used for the passing routes. The passing tree system is
designed so that all even-numbered routes (2,4,6,8) are run towards the middle of the field and all
odd-numbered routes (1,3,5,7,9) are be run towards the sideline. These routes are used for all
positions on the field. Since the ball is always placed in the middle of the field, the center faces the
dilemma, and all of the center’s routes should be based on the play design.
Quick
Out (1):
Slant
(2):
Deep
Out (3):
Drag/In
(4):
Flag
(5):
Curl
(6):
Post
Corner
(7):
Post
(8):
Fly
(9):
This is a 5-8 yard route then the receiver
cuts out towards the sideline then looks
for the ball.
This is a 3-5 yard route forward then the
receiver breaks towards the middle of the
filed on a 45 degree angle and looks for
the ball.
This is a 10-15 yard route. It should be run
exactly like the quick out only deeper.
This is a 5-8 yard route forward then the
receiver breaks into the middle of the filed
on a 90 degree angle and looks for the
ball.
This is a 10-15 yard route forward then
the receiver breaks at a 45 degree angle
towards the sideline and looks for the ball.
This is a 5-8 yard route forward then the
receiver stops and turns to the ball.
This is a 12-20 yard route forward then
the receiver cuts on a 45 degree angle to
the middle of the field for a few steps then
the receiver cuts on a 45 degree angle
towards the sideline and then looks for the
ball.
This is a 12-20 yard route forward then
the receiver breaks on a 45 degree angle
towards the middle of the field and looks
for the ball.
This route is run straight up the field with
the receiver looking for the ball after he
gets past about 15 yards.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football - Basic Routes:
Running Back Routes
While your backs may run any of the assigned routes on the primary passing tree, these routes have
been designed as a high-percentage second option to complete a pass.
These routes will not be numbered. You will always refer to them by name.
Replace
Arrow
Stop
Circle
Out/In
Flare
This is a 8-15 yard route where the running
back angles forward on a 45 degree angle and
then goes straight up the field and looks for
the ball.
This route the running back drives on a 45
degree angle towards the sideline and looks
back for the ball.
Look for open space. Turn to the quarterback
with your back to the defender. This should be
a pass to the chest.
This route starts toward the sideline and then
circles back to in front of the QB.
This route starts straight up the field then the
running back breaks "out" or "in" depending
on the play.
Rounded off pattern in the backfield with the
completion coming near or at the line of
scrimmage. Usually executed by a running
back being used as a second or third option. A
pass option for a quarterback when his main
options have been shut down.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football - Basic Formation:
-
Split T – Left Fly – Right Fly – H Flare Left – Center Stop
Play Calling & The Split T
Now you've read your passing tree and understand the pass routes available, there are two options
you have in play calling. The simple option is to use positions attached to route names. The more
advanced option is to use the passing tree numeric system.
There will be a few constants when calling plays.
1. You will always call the formation first, including the alignment (left or right, if necessary).
You’ll call an alignment in an unbalanced formation (anything but a Split T)
2. You will always call your receiver pass routes from left to right (then your Halfback (H) route,
followed by the Center route)
We will work with the understanding that there are three basic formation calls: Split T, Twins and
Trips.
We will begin learning our formations by teaching the most basic formation, the Split T, where one
receiver is on either side of the ball, split out approximately 10-12 yards from the center, with a
single running back set behind the quarterback. This is a balanced formation with no strongside,
therefore we will not have a call side (no right or left). The formation when set looks like the letter
"T.”
Design 3 plays from this formation. Teach these plays going to both the left and the right side.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football - Basic Formations:
The Twins Formation
In our next series of plays we will run out of Twins, where two receivers are on either side of the
ball, split out approximately 8-10 yards from the center, with or without a single running back set
behind the quarterback. This gives a strong side to the call side of the formation.
There is the option to have a single back or no backs.
Based on the passing tree routes, and using our formula of calling your receiver routes from left to
right followed by the running back route then the center route, the following play would be called:
Twins Right – Single Back – Left Fly – Right Fly – H Flare Left – Center Stop
Design 3 plays from this formation. Teach these plays going to both the left and the right side.

Youngstown Youth Flag Football - Basic Formations:
The Trips Formation
In our final series of plays we will run out of Trips, where three receivers are on either side of the
ball, split out approximately 6-8 yards from the center, without running back. This once again, gives
a strong side to the call side of the formation.
If you want a more advanced system to call plays, you can use the actual numbers attached to the
routes There is on the the option passing to have tree a single to call back your or no receiver backs. routes (refer to passing tree for routes and the numbers
associated with them). You are still calling your receiver routes from left to right. Instead of
designating the receiver and the route he/ she will run, you call out a sequence of numbers that tells
the receiver which route to run. The key to using this numeric system is to ensure that each receiver
knows their position.
The first number is the left receiver
The second number is the middle receiver
The third number is the right receiver
Trips Right – 999 – Center Arrow
Instead of:
Trips Right – Left Fly – Middle Fly – Right Fly – Center Arrow
Design 3 plays from this formation. Teach these plays going to both the left and the right side.